Commentary

General election and Brexit extension

The last week of October was once again a busy one in UK politics. The government finally succeeded in calling a general election and an extension to Article 50 was granted by the EU.

The general election will be held on 12 December, with the main parties calling for very different solutions to the Brexit issue. The Conservative party intends that the UK will leave the EU on the basis of the agreement recently reached. Labour is seeking a further referendum, the Liberal Democrats intend to revoke Article 50 entirely and the Brexit party is calling for a no-deal Brexit.

At the request of the UK, the EU has granted an extension of Article 50 until 31 January 2020, although the UK could leave the EU before then if the Conservative party remains in power and is able to push the current agreement through Parliament.

As these events unfold, the UK continues to be a member of the EU and, crucially, EU citizens living in the UK continue to benefit from EU free movement rights.

For further information on immigration related aspects of Brexit, for businesses, education providers and individuals, you can find our up to date Brexit Immigration Analysis here.